Recession Shattered Dreams of Many

It has many euphemisms: “laid off,” “downsized,” “let go.” But there’s no turn of phrase that can soften the blow when you feel more like you’ve been “fired,” “canned,” “terminated” or “axed.” Unfortunately, job loss is a common challenge in these economically strained times. Dubai's rapid expansion in recent years provided jobs for millions. But the global financial meltdown has abruptly ended the dream for many people as more and more firms sack staff to cut costs.

Everyone wants one. Most people have had at least one. But every so often, some people lose one. No, it’s not about the ideal partner. It’s about jobs. Expats form most of the population in Dubai and with residency permits linked to employment many of the people who are losing their jobs face the added upheaval of leaving the country. People are losing jobs everywhere, everyday and in almost every career. Same is the case with Mr. Mansoor Ali; he was working for Al Yousuf Group for the last 9 years and on august 28th he was terminated and was told that situations are difficult for the company. “It was too quick to face a situation as such, I have been in UAE working for the last 10 years and I’m continuing to look for a job though I have cut down my expenses and have sent my family back home”, says, Mr. Mansoor Ali.

Mr. Mansoor Ali

It is devastating when one is being fired. It is even more devastating when the one who is being fired has a family to feed. More people are losing jobs thanks to the recession. Every day, there is news about companies firing people to save cost. He also states that "I don't feel that I was wronged. This is business... But I would have preferred a cut in my salary rather than being sacked".

But even in this situation Mr. Mansoor is still looking on the bright side of everything that falls on him. His visa has not been cancelled and he still is looking for jobs. He says that I have been granted with 6 months of visa extension by the government allowing me to hunt for a suitable job to continue my living in UAE.

Mr. Mansoor looking for jobs

When spoken about returning back to home land, with heavy heart and a little moist in his eyes Mr. Mansoor said, leaving this country is a course of depression, ups and downs do occur everywhere but it will be very difficult to get accustomed and adjust in home country as there is no security of one’s self and after enjoying the sophisticated life of UAE it is really a great deal to leave everything and return”.

Well job loss for people does not only hit them economically but also emotionally. The cycle of depression stirs up and shatters the dreams of many staying in UAE for years. Yet people strong enough to face such crises have still not lost hope and is looking for jobs and on the other hand there are many companies who have vacancies but with very little pay to offer.